ways of a witch

7/31/2019 Ways of a Witch

1/58

Ways of a Witch

June 24, 2012-Lady Hekate


2/58

. Table of contents

1.What is a Witch, and Witchcraft?2.Witchcraft and Wicca

3.Types of Witches, and practices in the Craft.4.Can anyone be a Witch, or are you born?

5.Spellcasting6.Magick

7.Moon Magick


3/58

What is a Witch/Witchcraft?

A Witch is one practices Witchcraft, magick, spells, working with variousenergies to ring desired change, or betterment of their lives. A Witch knows

how to create, fashion their own destiny, and future. Yet if you ask others, youwill find various answers, some same, others a bit different. Magick is the

Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will. This is

according to Crowley, and on this I do agree. If you look in the tdictionary toprovide definition , many give more a Christian definition of evil etc. A Witchjust is, and connects with nature, the universe and all. A Witch recognizes the

sacred in all things, seeks to attune themselves to to Moon, and cycles of theEarth.


4/58

What is a Witch? Everything--and Nothing

Lady Rhea, 1982

The question "What is a Witch? What is a Pagan?" continue to be asked. It isdifficult to separate the two for they have become almost as one. An old saying

goes "All witches are pagans, but not all pagans are witches." This is true, butnot as true as it once was. There are those who call themselves Pagan who are

truly Witches, and those who call themselves Witches who are truly Pagans.

In days of yore, to be a Pagan was to live, simply, with the Earth, following theseasons, joining with other Pagans in the celebrations of the turning of theWheel. The Witches went beyond these simpler ways, seeking to know, to

understand, and to put to use the deeper mysteries and magick of the universe,thereby becoming "The Wise One." Today the two are melding into one, asthose who call themselves Pagan extend their boundaries of knowledge and

practice.

A Witch is a part and the whole of the Universe, giving birth to the Gods andGoddesses as they give birth to her. She springs from the depths of thetumultuous seas, rises to the heavens, only to return--sometimes gently,

sometimes violently--to her beloved Earth. There she begins the journey anew,


5/58

rising as the sparkling spring, becoming the tinkling brook, the flowing stream,the rushing waters of the mighty river, returning again and again to the womb of

the sea.

She is the rich soil of Mother Earth, and the tiny seed cradled in thenourishing depths of Her soil. Warmed by the Sun, she springs forth and

begins the struggle of life. Slowly, sometimes painfully, inch by inch she reacheshigher, sending her roots deeper into the Earth as she reaches for the

Heavens. The Wise One knows her strength comes from the Earth, of which

she is a part, and there must be a solid unity of the self, for those whose rootsare shallow and without substance will wither in the heat of life's fires, and be

toppled by the storms and gales of life.

The Witch is the blazing Sun and the candle's flame, lighting the dark corners,

chasing away the shadows. She absorbs the Light of Knowledge, then sendsforth its rays to light the path of those around her. She is the spark igniting thelog, and the dancing flame which consumes it, while sending forth light, warmth,and love. Others gaze on her and, blinded by her brilliance, are lured into the

other-world of dreams and fantasies by her hypnotic dance.

She is the gentle breeze cooling the brow of those who labor, and the mightlygale forcing all in her path to bend before her will. She plays through the treesand grasses, and teases the locks of the maidens. She brings the scent of the

prey to the hungry hunter and blows away the tracks of the pursued. She feeds


6/58

the fire-flame and joins in its dance, until, tiring of the game, she extinguishes itwith one mighty breath.

The Witch is the babe in the womb and the child in the arms of the Mother.She is the maiden racing through the Sun drenched fields, and dancing coyly inthe moolight. She is the eternal woman in the arms of her lover, the mother givingbirth and caring for her young. She is the Old One, sharing her knowledge and

love with those who follow in her steps, waiting, with happy heart, for the timewhen the cycle begins anew.

The Witch is the Wise One, and to her door come those who seek to share inher knowledge, light, and love. And to all who seek she gives what is asked,

freely, joyfully, with no thought of return except the joy she finds through thesharing. All are her children, all are her love, all are herself. She are they, and

they are she. The Wise One knows that as the parts were separated, so, too,must they be united.

The Witch stands with her feet firmly one with Mother Earth, raising her faceto the Mother Moon and the Father Sun, and to the All from whence we came.

And, standing solidly there, she flows with the tides, drifts with the winds, and

warms herself at the flame of the Light of Knowledge. And always there is atwinkle in her eye, a smile on her lips, a lilt to her song, and peace within.


7/58

She worships all Gods and Goddesses, yet she worships only one. She takesall, and gives all. Her Gods and Goddesses ask no sacrifice, yet she offers

unto them the ultimate sacrifice--herself.

The Witch is the God and the Goddess, the Ancient Ones, the Guardiansof the Watchtowers. She is Air and Earth and Fire and Water. She is thegrain from which the bread is baked and the grape from which the wine was

pressed. She is the incense rising to the heavens and the flame dancing on thecandle; the peal of the bell and the pages of the Book. She is each knot in the

cords which binds her, and the blue flame which sparks from her Blade. She isthe cone of power rising into the Universe, and its target.

__________________________

Witches for way to long have been misunderstood, through ignorance, rumors,

and untruths. Yes there many types of Witches and each practice their craftdifferently. Just as in Christianity, many Christians, but they do not practice

their faith the same way.

There are various views of Witches, and Witchcraft

Hollywood Christianity- and other religions

There are more but this is what I will cover here.


8/58

Hollywood.

It is sad, but many believe everything on tv. I know this as being a former lei

greeter one time in Hawaii, people would come and ask if we lived likethose in Gilligans Island in skirts and huts, LOLS.

Hollywood is not the only one who does not help in representing realWitches, but the media, tv shows, programs. According to Hollywood,and the Media, Witchs fly on brooms, hex people, and turn people intodust or toads. In the famous show of Charmed, which is great forentertainment, it does not nor was it created to teach on Witches, and

Witchcraft .It is a fiction show. Witches do not battle demons, they donot have a high council to answer to. Now some who are in covens , mayhave Elders, etc., but they are there to help guide and teach others theway of the Craft. Many have seen the Craft, again not representingwhat Witchcraft is, or Witches. Although it does teach Using Magickrequires responsibility and it is not a game. There is no battle going onwith the Good witch and bad witch, Yes Magick can be used for positive

and negative, however that is another topic. True Witches are not showoffs, and are wise with whom they choose to share their workings with.A interesting article I found and decided to share here.

A few years back, some members of the 7witches Coven and I along with

members of the Occult Weekly staff were fortunate enough to have beengiven a tour of some renowned actors places of work and hang-outsWalking down the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame, I reflected uponsome of the Occult-related roles some of these celebrities had playedthroughout their career. It seemed that witchcraft, Spellcasting, Magick,


9/58

and such had been major themes in a large quantity of prominent films,spanning the entire existence of the industry. But how so many of thesecharacters and ideas had been misrepresented!

Witchcraft Goes Hollywood

By J Roslyn Antle | August 20, 2011 | Occult Weekly

Many claim that it all began with Dorothy Gales crusade against thecraft. What is the difference between a Fairy Godmother and a Witch?Many would find the answer to be a simple good versus evil. After all, theself-proclaimed witch Glinda was referred to as a Fairy Godmother byDorothy in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, when joining forces todefeat Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, after already havingslayed the Wicked Witch of the East. To be frank, I am not sure what aFairy Godmother is something like a Guardian Angel with a caduceus.

Following the setback for the Craft and Neopagans alike, someprominent Wiccans entered the scene to rectify the issue at hand. EvenGardner and Valiente had their words about movies like Haxan:Witchcraft Through the Ages, the 1922 Silent film with grotesqueimages of misrepresented Rituals, as well as The Wizard of Oz, IMarried a Witch, and many other films in the horror genre of the era.

It is difficult to deny that the subjects of natural Magick, Spellcasting,the supernatural, and ancient mysteries are very interesting, but thesetopics that originated with ancient witchcraft were handed over to fantasycharacters once they made it to Hollywood. There are superheroes,


10/58

demigods, and extra-terrestrials, there are even some good vampires andwerewolves as Twilight has taught us. However, it does seem that veryfew roles have been allotted to good witches.

There have been some flicks that have somewhat accurately portrayedthe Craft, with The Craft not being one of them. Some truth exists inThe Witches of Eastwick, at least in the novel by John Updike. AliceHoffman, the author of Practical Magic, has some experience with thesubject and is certainly able to write a compelling story without the needfor a dark lords evil plot. The movie was not drastically altered. I am not

sure upon the need to comment on the Harry Potter franchisesconnection to actuality, though I must say that after having seen this mostrecent film, many interesting questions are posed. I will not comment uponthe Blair Witch Project.

Witchcraft in Hollywood is a very serious issue, as many of us know thescope of the movie industrys influence. Perhaps the status quo will begin

to shift, and many positions that some deem as fantasy but are actuallyreal, will actually be represented somewhat accurately. Time will tell.

Christianity and other religious views

I can speak on how Christians view of Witchcraft, as I was one, andalmost became a preacher. It is taught to Ministers and the congregation

that Witchcraft is evil and forbidden. In the New Test the old is oftentimes used and quoted:. There are ref to not allowing a Witch, sorceress

live


11/58

Leviticus 19:31 "'Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for youwill be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:6 "'I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums

and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him offfrom his people.

Leviticus 20:27 "'A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among youmust be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their

own heads.'"Deuteronomy 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his

son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets

omens, engages in witchcraft,Deuteronomy 18:11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who

consults the dead.1 Samuel 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for himand buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums

and spiritists from the land.Jeremiah 27:9 So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your

interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, 'Youwill not serve the king of Babylon.'

Jeremiah 27:10 They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to removeyou far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish.

Now keep in mind the context first- This from the Tora, the Books ofMoses, and these were instructions to Gods covenant people Israel..

THIS WAS NOT UNIVERSAL LAW.


12/58

If we want to get techniqual in Greek the new test word for sorcerer orwitch is poisoner, from the word Pharmacia, where we get the word

pharmacy, hmmm does that forbid us from using the pharmacy?

____________________________

In the old Native American Tradition, Witches were considered evil, asthis information was shared with me by both a sister whose family

background is NA, and by an Elder. There is a Legend ofArrow Boy, Child of the Witch Man

A Cochiti Legend

In the beginning there was a woman all of whose children had died oneafter another. She said to herself, "Why is it that I can not bring up achild?" She prayed and said, "Kopishtaya, what can I do so that my

children shall not die?" The kopishtaya came to her and said, "My poorchild, do not cry. I will tell you what you can do. Fast for four days and atthe end of that time go to the Flint Society and ask them for their help."

She was happy and fasted for four days. At the end of the four days shewent to the Flint Society and asked them to make prayer sticks for her.They met in the morning and cut the sticks and tied the feathers. Whenthey had finished she said to herself, "I must go and take dinner to them."She brought dinner into their room and they thanked her. The chief ofthe Flint Society said to her, "If you believe, you shall have children andthey will live." She took the prayer sticks and early in the morning, before

sunrise, she planted them to the kopishtaya. As she was planting sheheard singing.

The kopishtaya came near and stood before her. He gave her a root formedicine. He said to her, "The reason why your children have died is


13/58

because your husband is a witch man. He is killing his own children. Youwill have a child. Rub his body with this root for medicine, and he will live.

Keep watch of your husband. He is trying to offer your baby to the

witches. Watch at night. It will not be your husband beside you. It will bethe Corn Mother he has left beside you in his place. He will be away atthe meeting of the witches. Take hold of the Corn Mother and throw itagainst the wall so that it breaks in pieces. Go to the niche (where the

prayer meal is kept). You will find his human eyes laid on the shelf coveredwith wool. Drop them into the pot of urine. When your husband comes

home he will be in the shape of an owl. Lie still as if you were asleep, and in

the morning you will discover that I have told you the truth."

His wife watched at night. She threw the Corn Mother against the walland dropped her husband's eyes in the chamber pot. When he came in hewent to the niche to get his eyes. He found they were in the pot of urine

and he had to keep his owl's eyes. He went to the Corn Mother andspoke to it, but it could not answer. He spoke to his wife, "Are you

asleep?" "Yes; I was sound asleep. Lie down and I will spread yourblanket." "No; I can't go into that room. Something is the matter with me."

The kopishtaya had told that woman, "Do not tell your husband what Ihave told you, but send for the chief of the Flint Society to cure him."She told her husband he must send for the chief of the Flint Society.Her husband was not willing, but she took sacred meal and went to get

him. He came in. The man was lying on his face with his eyes buried in his

hands. He tried to turn him on his back. "What is the matter with you?" "Idon't know." The Flint chief said to the wife, "Go and bring his sisters sothat they will see what is the matter with him and there will be no blame for

you." She brought his sisters. Her husband would not take his handsfrom his face. At last the medicine man took them away from his eyes.


14/58

They were owl's eyes. He died and his wife wept and said, "What shall Ido? I have a little baby and my husband is dead." They buried him and at

night the witches had a meeting for him on the top of the mountain.

The kopishtaya came to the young woman that night and he told her, "Ihave come to tell you to offer sacred meal every day to the kopishtaya.

Send for your brother to stay with you in the house for these four daysuntil you send away the soul of your husband. At the end of that time

send for the chief of the Flint Society. Tell him to cut the earth with theobsidian knife." She did as he had told her and at the end of four days

the Flint medicine man came to the house. He cut the ground four timeswith the large flint knife.

Arrow Boy grew up. Every morning his mother offered prayer meal andhe grew very fast. She never let him go out alone. When he was a little

boy his mother said, "Let us go into the hills to hunt wood rats or rabbits. Iwill cook corn dodgers." She made the corn dodgers and wrapped them in

corn husks. She filled the canteen and tied it on her back. They came toa rabbit hole and the mother and Arrow Boy took turns in digging it out.They heard the kopishtaya coming. He said to her, "What happened toyour husband?" "He is dead." "That is better for him to die than for youto lose another baby. If he had lived it would not have been safe for your

little boy. He will take care of you. Now your husband's people are tryingto harm you because of his death. It is dangerous for you to stay in the

village. Go outside and live with your son."

They went to White Bank and lived there in a cave. The boy came to hismother and said, "There is going to be a dance in Potsherd Village." Hismother said, "Let us go together." Next morning they went to Potsherd


15/58

Village. Arrow Boy said to his mother, "Watch carefully (for danger)."They came to Potsherd Village. On the north side the houses were built

in two tiers and on the top story a man stood and saw them coming. He

said to his family, "Look, who is that who is coming? She is wearing ablack manta." The woman and the child came into the plaza. They cameto the house on the second story and they received them there and the

mother of that family gave them something to eat. She brought bread andstew and said, "Eat." There were two daughters in that family and theysat on either side of the boy. They loved him, but the boy was bashfuland ran away. Another young man came in. He loved the mother of the

boy, but his mother said, "No; I have my son. He is my only son and hetakes good care of me and I do not need a husband." "If you come with me

you will always eat venison for I am a great hunter. It is not far and you cansee your son often." "Let me tell my son. If he wants me to go with you, wewill both go; but I will not go alone." She spoke to her son. He said, "Mydear mother, you have told me that all your children died and I am the onlyone that is left. How can you leave me now that I have grown a man? I want

to stay with you always."

The father of the house came into the room. He said, "Are you in thehouse?" and the women answered, "Yes, we are in the house." The olderof the two girls came to the father and said, "Father, I want to marry thisboy." The younger came to him and said, "No, I want to marry him." Theboy's mother said, "If my son wants to marry one of these girls, he may, if

not, not. Let him say." Immediately the boy said, "I think I should like tostay here and marry one of these girls. Let us live in this house. Perhaps

the kopishtaya meant us to live here always."


16/58

The boy married the elder of the two girls and lived there all his life. Theyounger sister loved him also. Whenever they could be alone togetherthey played with each other and talked. The elder sister knew that they

were together and she said, "I am going to die." She went into the innerroom and placed a large basket in the center of the floor. She sat down in

the basket crying. Her feet began to turn into the tail of a snake. Shewas crying and the tears were running down her checks. She was already

a snake. The boy's mother came to look for her, but she could not findher. She went into the inner room and she found that her daughter-in-law

had become a great snake.

She took sacred meal in her hand and went to the chief of the FlintSociety. She said to him, "My daughter-in-law has become a snake.

Come and restore her." He came and set up his altar in the inner room.He put the snake in the basket in front of the altar and covered it with anembroidered ceremonial blanket. He sang all the curing songs of the FlintSociety but he could not restore her. She was a snake. He called all the

men of his society and they took her to Gaskunkotcinako ("the girl'scave"). They left her there and people still take little pots to this place to

offer to her.

Yet an article I found, unknown author but the lonk Ill provide at end, andI do not know how true this is ,but for you to decide.

Native American witchcraft was basically allied with the religious beliefsof the natives of the region. In fact religion and witchcraft were alike inmany ways. Both the witchcraft and the religious beliefs held the nature


17/58

sacred. Many of their symbols and ideas came from nature. Old religionwas closer to the spirit of the Native American traditions and witchcraft.

Each region of Native America had its unique kind of witchcraft whichused different kinds of amulets and charms. They had their own ritualsand masks. The practitioners of witchcraft wore costumes specific to theregion. They had their own carvings, totem poles and performedceremonies according to the area where they lived. In spite of all theseregional differences they all shared a sense of awareness and onenesswith their land, plants and creatures of Native America.

They looked to their land for providing them the raw material for theirmagic and witchcraft. The material included herbs, stones, feathers andbones besides articles for preparing the medicines, tools and otherinstruments such as charms, costumes and masks. The witches had deepfaith in the power of nature and tried to maintain a sense of unity with itsinvisible forces.

The witches and medicine men used several methods and tools todiagnose the ailments of the patients such as crystal rocks and using theirtrembling hands in a state of trance. Some times they chanted somesacred hymns while diagnosing the diseases.

The shamans, usually women, served the community by performing

ceremonies to cure several diseases and ward off evil influences over theweather and the harvest. Herbs used to be an important medium of curingthe sick persons.


18/58

There is also a reference to a sacred pipe which was very importantsymbol of witchcraft. Sacred pipe symbolized the medicine wheel and allthe four directions in the same space. Pinches of tobacco along with some

grains were placed in the pipe which was also used for lamenting.

Owl had a very important place in the witch craft of those days. Owl wasconsidered a symbol of bad luck. An owl sent by a witch could not bekilled.http://cavesoflilith.tumblr.com/post/199922561/native-american-witchcraft

Witchcraft and WiccaIt is said in various places that Wicca is todays Witchcraft. Now Witches few

may use the term as it seems more acceptable in some places, however Idisagree, Witchcraft is not Wicca. Wicca is semi newer religion, created in 57-56 by Gerald B Gardner. Witchcraft is not a religion. Not all Witches work

with a God/Goddess , or embrace the rede, or the Harm None, and rule ofthree. Witches of old practice as they saw fit, used what they had, and did nothave all the rules and guidelines of Wicca. Most Witches are Pagans, but, all

Pagans are not Witches. And most importantly, not all Witches areWiccans. In other words, a Witch who practices Witchcraft does not

necessarily mean that she believes in the religion of Wicca. A Wiccan involvedin the religious practices of Wicca does not necessary practice Witchcraft and
http://cavesoflilith.tumblr.com/post/199922561/native-american-witchcrafthttp://cavesoflilith.tumblr.com/post/199922561/native-american-witchcrafthttp://cavesoflilith.tumblr.com/post/199922561/native-american-witchcraft


19/58

which makes them not a Witch. As Scott Cunningham wrote in one of hisbooks "Witchcraft: the craft of the Witchmagick, especially magick utilizing

personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colors and

other natural objects. While this may have spiritual overtones, Witchcraft, usingthis definition, isnt a religion. It is just that some followers of Wicca use thisword to denote their religion." Yes there are some Witches of the Wiccan

Path, but it does not make Wicca Witchcraft.

The origin of the word Witchcraft , no one really knows, except that it is a

Christian word. The Oxford English Dictionary tells us that Witchcraftcomes from the Old English word Wiccecraeft (also spelled wiccecraefte,wicchecrafte, wichecraft as well as wesch-craft and wicche craft) and that it

literally means the Craft in the sense of art or skill of a practicing Pagan. Theword witch really is a title People gave. The villagers went to a wise woman who

aided in the birthing, who worked healing for the sick and was sought out forhelp and consultation in matters such as love and monetary matters as well as

discreetly providing some villagers with potions and spell s, but she did not titleherself a Witch. Makes me think of how many call themselves something they

just are not. Hmm.

Below is from

Apr 3, 2007 Elizabeth Farrel

oo often, the words Wiccan and Witch are used interchangeably, but in factthey have two very different meanings even though these can be sometimes

hotly debated. For those who are unfamiliar with or confused about the termsWiccan and Witch, here is a basic overview of their meanings.


20/58

Wiccan

Wicca is an earth-honoring, polytheistic religion that was founded in the 1950sby Gerald Gardner. It is a mixture of reconstructed ancient Pagan beliefs andmodern magickal practices. Wiccans celebrate the eight sabbats and utilize the

energy of nature in ritual spellwork. There are a variety of different branches ofWicca called traditions which include Alexandrian, Gardnerian , Dianic and

many others. Those who practice the Wicca religion are called Wiccans.

Wiccans believe that all things are interconnected and that all thoughts andactions can have a positive or negative influence, which is reflected in the

threefold belief that all things that one does is returned to them threefold.

Wiccans believe in a duality of deity which essentially means that there is bothmasculine and feminine in deity, both God and Goddess. Deity may bereferred to by many different names depending on a persons personal

preference or the tradition that they follow. There is also the belief that deity isimmanent which means that the God/dess is within everyone and within all ofnature.

Wiccans do not accept the existence of Satan (which is seen as a Christiancreation) or in evil forces. They do know the existence of negative energy butrecognize that it is part of nature and believe that there are valuable lessons to

learn from both positive and negative energy.

Wiccans practice magickal spellwork but this is not done to manipulate or harmanyone or anything. It is a delicate art that takes knowledge, practice and

patience.


21/58

Wiccans ethics and behavior are guided by the Wiccan Rede.

Wiccans practice their craft either in covens or in solitary. A coven is the nameof a group of people who gather to for ritual, magick and celebration.

Witches

So what makes Witches different than Wiccans? Although both Wiccans andWitches practice magickal spellwork, that is basically where the similarity ends.

Witches practice magick and revere their gods and goddesses in their own wayand do not typically practice ritual in the highly precise ways that are typical to

many Wiccans.

There are many varieties of Witches including Kitchen, Hedge and FairyWitches. Those who seek the real magick of Witchcraft may study for years

before being called a Witch, but it takes more than study, it also requires a high

level of practical knowledge. Many people who are Witches are HereditaryWitches, meaning that their knowledge and skills have been taught to them by afamily member who is a Witch. However, a person isn't automatically a Witch

just because a family member is one. People who are Witches areknowledgeable in the properties of healing herbs, spellwork, divination, working

with spiritual and natural energies and many other things. The practice ofWitchcraft is not associated with any religion so a person can be both a witch

and a practitioner of any number of religions or they may not practice a religionat all.

In a nutshell, Wicca is a religion and Witchcraft is not. Just keep in mind, "AllWiccans are Witches, but not all Witches are Wiccan."


22/58

Types of Witches/Witchcraft

Many Witches have a specific focus, or area of expertise if you will in theirmagick, so we find there many types.

*The Dark Witch- Deals with the darker half of the Craft, and the magickmany also consider taboo. They are not just about hexing, cursing, but workingwith raw power, primordial energy. They do not have laws such as the threefold

law, or harm none, nor do they fear Karma. The Dark Witch is not aboutcausing chaos and harm to others, however if threatened or harmed, yes they will

do as been done to them

*The Gray Witch

Works or seeks to work with balance of energies, they embrace both the lightand dark side of magick without going to either extremes. For them Magick is


23/58

neutral- grey, it is the practioner that makes it white, or dark, positive andnegative. The Gray Witch knows to there is a time for both on life, as there is

sun and rain.

*The Green Witch

A Green Witch also works with the energies of natural objects likestones,gems,herbs,animals,and the elements. Green Witches were Green

before the term ever came out.

*The Hedge Witch

The "Hedge Witch" means "Wise Woman Healer

A hedge witch is very much a free spirit. Hedge witches are also relatedto the village witches of old. The term, hedge witch, comes from the factthat your average European village, in time gone by, was surrounded by a

hedge or woods. Beyond that hedge was unknown land, beyond theirknown perception... i.e. the Other World. The village witches of this era

usually lived just beyond or just before this hedge. The hedge was ametaphor for some one who practiced shamanic arts, a walker between the

worlds.This term didn't mean just that though. It also denoted that saidwitch was an herb worker, a healer,because they spent much time in thehedge looking for the herbs necessary to heal or enchant. So now you

know where the term came from, but what dose a hedge witch do?A hedgewitch would have learned their trade or craft by word of mouth. More than


24/58

likely they would have learned it from a family member or the former villagewitch. Once the person left, they would be on their own. So they wouldhave been taught ways to learn from nature such as listening to the winds

or watching cloud formations. They would have celebrated the sabbatsby the change of the seasons and not by a date on a calender. More than

likely they would have other Holy days besides the sabbats.

*Wiccan Witch-

One who embraces the religion of Wicca, dedicate, initiated in to that path whopractices Witchcraft as well. There are many types here too.

*Stregha .Stregheria:

Stregheria is the form of witchcraft native to Italy; there are several distincttraditions sharing common roots, in various parts of Italy. Also called, La

Vecchia Religione, Stregheria is a nature-based religion, it's followers worshipthe forces of Nature, personified as gods and goddesses. The witches of La

Vecchia Religione are called Streghe (plural), with the title Strega (for afemale), Stregone (for a male).Stregheria is rooted in the folk religion of theLatins (the Romans being one Latin people) and the Etruscans. In the

particular tradition, taught by Raven Grimassi in Ways of the Strega, thepantheon is different from the urban gods of the Romans, though some of those

deities were shared with the Latins, and the Etruscans, most notably Diana,whose worship was focused at a temple at Lake Nemi in the Alban Hills. There

are however other traditions of Stregheria in Italy, who may worship the urbangods of the Romans.

There are many types, solitary, coven, eclectic ,hereditary as well.


25/58

Can anyone become a Witch?

A question I have been asked on several occasions. First I say we all have owntruths, and beliefs. Then I share mine. No. for either or born a Witch, or not.

You can choose to become a Wiccan, but not a Witch. Some do not yet knowthey are a Witch, and in their own time will discover it. Wonder why some try tobe Witches, and truly are not happy, or they say and know things just do not

work, no matter how much another teaches them? Wrong path .

This is not meant to offend, however it is my own belief. Witches will tell you atyoung ages the various experiences they have had and even doing spells before

they knew what it was called. When I was a young one, I evoked the winds andrains, talked to trees, in the water I became a mermaid, or dolphin. I did spells,

made wishes, and they came to pass. It was natural.


26/58

Spellcrafting

Keep in mind this is just suggestion, and if you do not have all the stuff it isyour intent, and you who create magick. In Advanced Witchcraft, Witches find

they really do not need all the stuff. Sometimes stuff is what the hindrance is.

When casting a spell, you need to know the importance of using the rightingredients,the attraction of energy needed depends on

the ingredients used as much as it depends on anything else.

Spell casters use ingredients to help focus the energy and power they are

invoking, therefore enabling the spell to manifest in the corporeal world.

Herbs, flowers, leaves, blossoms, crystals, oils, tree barks, all and more

of these are used in making a Spell work and are chosen for their

magical properties.

Crystals have accepted properties and have been used for magic

and for healing for centuries.Herbs play a huge part in Spell work and


27/58

potions too, many have been attributed magical properties for centuries.

Candles also play an important role too. A lit candle can be used to light

herbs such as sage, or to burn a written spell, sending it out and into

the Verse.The Moon plays an important role in spell work, and has done

so down through the Ages. She exerts an unseen power that

moves oceans and has a profound effect on human moods

and development.Herbs bathed overnight or harvested inMoonlight soaks up the Moon's magical energy.Most spells involve invoking

the assistance of entities or forces that are more powerful than one's own

self.

The language of the spell is not as important as your intent, your focus

and respect of the powers you are invoking.

Many who cast spells are disappointed in the results,

one of the main reasons is a lack of knowledge of the

importance of focus, and intent.

Another is lack of practice. If it worked first time every time the whole worldwould be doing it!

I believe that you can successfully cast a spell using any


28/58

approach that conforms to at least 3 of the basic principles

of magic ,which are........

1 Things that have been connected once continue to be connected forever.

2A symbolic representation is an effective connection to the real thing

if you believe it to be.

3Always choose the optimum time for casting a spell ,

a time you know you will have the solitude you need for focus.5>focus ,focus,focus ,concentrated willpower is necessary or

your spell will fail.

Witches always have spell ingredients, batches of

odds and ends for use in casting spells here are a few

to get you started you will find a much bigger list in documents.......

Rue is a bitter herb and should only be used if you were trying

to break off contact with someone who was hassling

you or to split up from someone who will not take no for an answer.


29/58

Fresh Bay Leaves add strength to any spell.

A climbing plant (any vine) is useful for career work .

Use either lilac or viburnum for empowerment.

Oak leaves for strength, longevity and stability,also for protection and stability, old iron nails or iron filings.

Willow helps cure emotional issues and strengthens the heart.

Rowen will keep a way disagreements and disagreeable people

Cherry for inner beauty and to prevent ageing!

Thyme will strengthen the longevity of your spell

Shells and stones from a river ,creek or the ocean


30/58

can be used for clarity of thought and emotional stability.

A sea washed stone with a hole in the center, is a real treasure

often called a "witches stone" or a "fairy rock",it aids your 'divinations.

Green is the colour of wealth and abundance ,so in these spells

use a green candleThe crystal Aventurine is perfect for use in Money Spells

as is Citrine because they are associated with the manifestation

of money and good fortune.


31/58

Magick

What do you think of when you hear the word magick. Hocus pocus, poof!!.?

"Magick is the Highest, most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge ofNatural Philosophy; advanced in its works and wonderful operations by a right

understanding of the inward and occult virtue of things; so that true Agents

being applied to proper Patients, strange and admirable effects will thereby beproduced. Whence magicians are profound and diligent searchers into Nature;they, because of their skill, know how to anticipate an effect, the which to the

vulgar shall seem to be a miracle."

The Goetia of the Lemegeton of King Solomon.

**************

MAGICK is the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformitywith Will.(Illustration: It is my Will to inform the World of certain facts within my

knowledge. I therefore take "magical weapons", pen, ink, and paper; I write"incantations" these sentences in the "magical language" i.e. that which is

understood by the people I wish to instruct; I call forth "spirits", such as printers,publishers, booksellers, and so forth, and constrain them to convey my message

to those people. The composition and distribution of this book is thus an act ofMAGICK by which I cause Changes to take place in conformity with myWill.)- Crowley


32/58

Magick has been described as the bending of reality in accordance to your truewill. It is making changes in the world around us from within ourselves. It is a tool

that Witches wield forged in knowledge and contained within

Types of magick, this is some, not all.

Light and Dark Magick

Magick like ourselves can not really be defined as good or evil, as Witches weinstead focus on light and dark. Light magick can be thought of as drawingthings to us or enabling energies and is often associated with the full moon.

Dark magick is banishing, controlling, destroying and endings, it is associatedwith the new moon. A love spell to banish loneliness would be dark while

attracting love and opprotunities for love is light. Neither is evil or wrong theyare just two approaches to the same problem. Many flavors of magick can be

light or dark.

High vs. Low Magick

Low magick takes care of your physical earthly wants and desires: love, money,health, protection and is generally short term. High magick takes care of your

spiritual growth and development and may take lifetimes to work, learningspiritual lessons, finding your true path or deeper meaning in the cosmos orwithin yourself. Any form of magick can be high or low although some lend

themselves more readily to one or the other (folk magick is usually low whileceremonial magick is usually considered high to the point that it is sometimes

confused with high magick).


33/58

Sympathetic (Representational) Magick

Sympathetic magick is probably the oldest type of magick known to Man, it isbased on the idea that like attracts like. To prepare for a hunt ancient peopleswould stick spears in an effigy of a bull, to help let go of an ex-lover you could

burn thier picture or likeness, to hit a home run you can visualize yourself doingso.

Folk (Kitchen) Magick

Folk magick is a term used to describe the magick of the people. Over thecenturies the workers of magick would use a little of this and a little of that goingwith what felt right. The magick was based on and created superstition. Kitchen

magick is the natural outgrowth of Folk magick, where Folk magick is based ontradition kitchen Witches are making thier own traditions by continuing to

experiment with magick and work thier spells. Folk magick overlaps with a lot of

other types of magick due to its exploratory nature.

Candle Magick

Candle magick does magickal work by repositioning, lighting, extinguishing andcarving into candles. To attract love you could carve symbols for love and

completion into two candles (pink and red) and as your ritual mves forward youcould move the candles closer together to symbolize drawing love closer to

yourself. Candle magick is simplistic and yet powerful.


34/58

Sex Magick

Sex magick is the art of using orgasm to heighten magickal workings. In much thesame way that energy can be raised in a cone of power and sent out with a given

purpose a sexual orgasm can serve much the same purpose if one is able toconcentrate on the purpose while one is undergoing the magick that is.

Ceremonial Magick

Ceremonial magick is a complex form of magick where form and tradition canindicate power. This is a highly structured type of magick that is usually

associated with High magick.

Magick is not just about doing, but being, and evolving, connecting to All.

As there are Laws of Gravity, Laws of the Universe, there are Laws ofMagick

The Law of Knowledge

This is probably the most widely used law, and probably encompasses all theothers in some way. The basis of this law is that understanding brings control.

The more that is known about a subject, the easier it is to excercise control over

it. Knowledge is power.(hey! didn't someone just say that?! :::grin:::)


35/58

The Law of Self-Knowledge

An obvious derivative of the Law of Knowledge, this law carries additionalconnotations, as a mage who does not have knowledge of himself does not have

knowledge (and therefore control) of his own magic. This law is one of thereason's "evil" mages are very rare - a dedication to "evil for evil's sake" is usuallydo to a lack of introspection and awareness of oneself. It is difficult to do harm

to others when you understand fully what that kind of harm would do to you.Know thyself.

The Law of Cause and Effect

A simple scientific understanding - if exactly the same actions are done underexactly the same conditions, they will be associated with exactly the same

results. Magicians have at least as much belief in cause and effect as modern

physicists do, they just realize that a good ritual, like a good theatricalperformance or a good bread recipe, isn't always predictable. In truth, a spellinvolves so many variables, that controlling or even understanding them all is

impossible. The key to magical success is learning which variables are the mostimportant, and how to keep them constant. Control over the variables is icing on

the cake.

The Law of Synchronicity


36/58

Two or more events happening at the same time are likely to have more incommon than the merely temporal. Very few events ever happen in isolation from

other events. There is no such thing as a mere coincidence.

The Law of Association

If any two pattern have elements in common, the patterns interact "through"those common elements, and control of one pattern facilitates control of the

other(s) depending (among other factors) upon the number of ccommon

elements involved. This is a very important law, up there with the Law ofKnowledge.

The Law of Similarity

Having an accurate physical or mental representation of something facilitates

control over it. This one is fairly obvious in it's usage - having a model, picture,or other representation of your target (like a voodoo doll) gives you power toeffect the target. Look alikes are alike.

The Law Of Contagion

Objects or beings in physical contact with each other continue to interact afterseparation. Everyone you have ever touched has a magical link with you, thoughit is probably pretty weak unless the contact was intense and/or prolonged orrepeated frequently. Magical power is contagious. Naturally, having a part of


37/58

someone's body (nails, hair, saliva & other bodily secretions etc.) gives the bestcontagion link.

The Law of Names

Knowing the complete and true name of an object, being, or process gives onecomplete control over it. This works because a name is a definition as well as acontagion link, and an association (if you call something by the same name overand over, that name eventually becomes associated with the thing). This also

works, because knowing the complete and true name of something or someonemeans that you have achieved a complete understanding of it's or their nature.This is why, in most pre-industrial cultures, people are given "secret names", as

well as "public names", and why the sharing of a secret name is such an act oftrust - because the secret name is considered to be very close to, if not identical

with, the person's true name.

The Law of Words of Power

There exist certain words that are able to alter the internal and externalrealities of those uttering them, and the power may rest in the very sounds of the

words as much as their meanings. Many of such words are names, though themeanings may have been lost or forgotten. Very many magical tools require

words to be inscribed upon them and/or said over them during theirconstruction and/or use.

The Law of Personification


38/58

Any phenomenon may be considered to be alive and to have a personality - thatis, to "be" an entity or being. Anything can be a person. Most weather magespersonify the winds and the clouds, for example, and thus find focussing their

magic on the atmosphere much easier to do.

The Law of Invocation

It is possible to establish internal communication with entities from either insideor outside oneself, said entities seeming to be inside of oneself during the

communication process.

The Law of Evocation

It is possible to establish external communication with entities from either insideor outside oneself, said entities seeming to be outside oneself during the

communication process.

The Law of Identification

It is possible through maximum association between elements of oneself andthose of another being to actually become that being, to the point of sharing it's

knowledge and wielding it's power. This is the law that controls most lengthy orpermanent possession phenomena.

The Law of Personal Universes


39/58

Every sentient being lives in and quite possibly creates a unique universe whichcan never be 100% identical to that lived in by another. So called "reality" is in

fact a matter of consensus opinions. This law is nowhere near as obvious as the

other laws in it's applications, but if you can figure some out, you can use it.

The Law of Infinite Universes

The total number of universes into which all possible combinations of existingphenomena could be organized is infinite. Anything is possible, though some

things are more probable than others. You might consider this to refer to the"alternate probability worlds" of science fiction, but it also has a much wider

application.

The Law Of Pragmatism

If a pattern of belief or behavior enables a being to survive and to accomplishchosen goals, then that belief or behavior is "true" or "real" or "sensible". If itworks, it's true.

Another rather obscure law, but it does have some very useful applications.

The Law of True FalsehoodsIt is possible for a concept or act to violate the truth patterns of a givenpersonal universe and still be "true", provided that it "works" in a specific

situation. If it's a paradox, it's still probably true. This law is basically useless,


40/58

except to justify use of the above three laws without screwing things up in yourversion of the real world.

The Law of Synthesis

The synthesis of two or more "opposing" patterns of data will produce a newpattern that will be truer than either of the first two were. That is, it will be

applicable to more levels of reality, and this new pattern may not be acompromise, but may be something rather new indeed.

The Law of Polarity

Any pattern of data can be split into (at least) two "opposing" characteristics,and each will contain the essence of the other within itself.

The Law of Opposites

A sub-law of polarity. The "opposite" of a pattern contains information aboutthat pattern, by providing information on what the pattern is not. Thus, controlover a pattern's opposite (or close to it's opposite) facilitates control over the

pattern itself. (Note that this one I alone take the blame for, as it is my own

extension of polarity and similarity)

The Law of Dynamic Balance


41/58

To survive, let alone to become powerful, one must keep every aspect of one'suniverse in a state of dynamic balance with every other aspect. Extremism is

dangerous, as the extreme being becomes so associated with the extreme

aspect, that they lose the ability to avoid that aspect at all. This is anotherreason "evil" mages are rare, as continuous association with pain or death willcause a mage pain or death, ending the mage's ability to continue actively with

"evil". This is also why "good" mages, especially healers, tend to live a long time.

The Law of Perversity

Sometimes known as Murphy's Law. If anything can go wrong, it will, and in themost annoying manner possible. Magical associations sometimes operate in thereverse of what was desired, and meaningful coincidences are just as likely to be

unpleasant as pleasant. Even if nothing can go wrong, some element of theuniverse may change so that things will go wrong anyway. Whether we like it or

not, the gods (or fates, or what have you) do have a sense of humor.

Emotionally healthy mages have less problems with this law than others do, asthe mages own subconscious mind is probably a major perpetrator of this law.

The Law of Unity

Every phenomena in existance is linked directly or indirectly to every other one,past, present, or future. Perceived seperations between phenomena are based

on incomplete sensing and/or understanding.

Source of exerpted material:

Authentic Thaumaturgy - Bonewits,P.E.I


42/58

Moon Magick

When I was young, me and a friend spent all night in a life guard booth inHawaii. We watched, danced, howled and enjoyed the full moon that night.

Since then I was always drawn to the moon, and Her magick. Witches have longbeen associated with the moon, and magick.


43/58


44/58

internally and externally. As such, it's a great time to get rid of physical thingsyou don't need and any mental or emotional baggage you might be hauling

around with you, too.

March: Chaste Moon

Also known as the Seed or Worm Moon, the Chaste Moon is a time to plantmental seeds - thoughts of success and hope. This is also a time of purity and

newness. It's the time to bless the magickal herbs and plants in your garden andto start preparing the soil for the seeds that you will plant. It's also the time tomentally prepare yourself for new experieces, a new job, pregnancy, taking a

trip, or bringing a new animal into your home.

April: Seed Moon

The Seed Moon signals a time of fertility, growth, and wisdom. This Moon isalso known as the Egg, Grass, or Wind Moon. This is the time to sow theseeds of Magick. If you are planting a magickal garden, you want to get outthere now and put things into the Earth. This is the time to move from the

planning phase into action. If you want to get pregnant, this is a great time to gofor it. Fertility is in the air. This is also the time to bring that new puppy home, it

that is what you have been planning. It's also a great time to empower someseeds to both help them grow and to do Earth magick.


45/58

May: Hare Moon

The Hare Moon, also known as the Flower or Planting Moon, is a time ofhealth, love, romance, and wisdom. This is a great time to plant the seeds thatyou have empowered. As the seeds begin to grow, the energy you have filledthem with will start to manifest in your life. It's also a great time to rekindle theromantic spark and passion in a relationship. If you've been working magick to

help your career, now will probably be the time to decide which of your joboffers to accept. And you might want to do some divination magick to help you

make that decision.

June: Lover's Moon

Also known as the Strawberry or Rose Moon, the Lover's Moon brings with itenergy for love, marriage, and success. Is it any wonder that in some traditionsthis Moon is called the Honey Moon? This is a time to nurture your garden

and marvel at its beauty and abundance. If you have taken that new job, now isthe time to make sure you have everything running smoothly. And you mightwant to keep your eyes open to see how you can move into a more desirable

position.

July: Mead Moon


46/58

The Mead Moon, also known as the Blessings, Lightning, or Thunder Moon,is a time of enchantment, health, rebirth, success, and strength. This is the timeof the first harvests, when you begin to enjoy the fruits of your labors. This is

also a time of celebration and magick. Remember that mead is the nectar of theGods. Now is the time to gather your magickal herbs and do some prosperity

magick so you get that raise you've worked so hard for.

August: Wyrt Moon

The Wyrt Moon, also known as the Wort, Barley, Corn, or Red Moon, is atime of abundance, agriculture, and marriage. This is the time to collect your

magickal herbs and store them for the winter or share them with others.Remember to give an offering back to the Goddess for her generosity. At this

time of the year, you might want to do magick to help someone else reap thebenefits of the Earth's abundance. (With that person's permission, of course!)This is also a good time to make a move at work for that higher level position. If

you have become pregnant, this is the time to concentrate your energies onhaving a healthy pregnancy.

September: Harvest Moon


47/58

Also known as the Barley or Hunter's Moon, the Harvest Moon is a time ofprotection, prosperity, and abundance. This is the time of year when the grainsare being harvested, and it is a good time for magick involving your prosperity,

abundance, and the nurturing of others. If you have had a long illness, this is thetime to finally come back to full health again. This is also the time to obtain that

higher paying position at work. The energy of the Harvest Moon will helpalong any magick that is geared to bring you or someone else abundance.

October: Blood Moon

The Blood Moon is sometimes called the Falling Leaf or Hunter's Moon. It isa Moon of new goals, potection, resolution, and spirituality. The night of the

Blood Moon is a great time for divination of any kind. At this time of the year,all of nature is making ready for the winter. Animals that hibernate are gathering

the last scraps of food. Birds are heading south. In human societies, this usedto be the time when we turned from agriculture to the hunt as our means ofsustenance. This is the time to refect on what you did during the year and to

evaluate your accomplishments.

You also want to check to see how you will survive the coming months. Makesure that you have enough money in the bank. If your work is seasonal, youmight want to do some magick to find other ways to support yourself. If you

work outdoors, do magick to help you survive the cold months ahead. You alsowant to check on things that are important to your safety and survival. How are

the tires on your car? And what about that smoke alarm in the kitchen?Because the holidays are fast approaching, you also might want to do some

work to remove stress and negative energy from your surroundings.


48/58

Novemeber: Snow Moon

The Snow Moon is also known as the Beaver, Mourning, or Tree Moon.This is a good time to work with abundance, properity, and the bonds of familyand friendship. This is also an excellent time to use divination to get an idea ofwhat is up ahead. Remind yourself that although winter is coming, it will not lastforever. Do what you can to reduce your stress and to strengthen your bonds

with family and friends. Back before the advent of grocery stores and centralheating, people really counted on those bonds, which could be the difference

between making it through the winter or perishing. So, know who is really therefor you, and count your blessings.

December: Oak Moon

Also known as the Cold or Long Night Moon, the Oak Moon is a time forhope and healing. This time of year the Moon has reign over the Earth,

because there are more hours of night than day. Our thoughts turn to therebirth of the light and the longer days that are promised after the winter

solstice. Women who have become pregnant in the spring are about to give birthand will probably want to focus their energies on delivering a healthy baby. Thisis the time of year to complete something you have worked hard on and to make

sure that the task is truly completed, all the details dealt with. It's also a greattime to let go of old patterns or problems and start anew. If something has been


49/58

eating at you for a long time, work to give it up at this time. Let go of thenegative and let the light of longer days shine inside you. Working with children

in a nurturing way can be very rewarding and healing.

One complete cycle of the moon takes exactly 28 days to complete, the sameaverage time for a woman's menstrual cycle. This is no accident. A woman's

body is something of a mirror of the moon and her ways. In many ways thedifference between the sun and the moon are very similar to the differences

between men and women.

The different personalities the moon presents throughout her cycle haveperhaps the most profound affect on ritual workings than any other Time

Correspondence. In order to coordinate your ritual workings with the cycles ofthe moon, you can follow the generalized guidelines below or the more advancedguidelines.

***Note that the more Time Correspondences you add to your ritual workings,the less you will need to rely on the more advanced system of the lunar cycle.

And, in fact, sometimes you will be unable to use the more advanced systemespecially if you try to incorporate either the Lunar Zodiacal Calendar or thesystem of the Days of the Week. In all, familiarize yourself with all systems, but

use what works best for you.


50/58

The Waxing Moon

Magick for increases that mirror the increasing size of the moon including:healings, prosperity, attraction, success, gains, love, increases, friendship,

protection and any other positive magicks. The horns on the crescent you seein the sky during the waxing phase of the moon are facing to your left.

The Full Moon

For the rituals that require the most potent and powerful magick, the fullestphase of the moon is most appropriate. Though there is some controversy over

what kind of magick is most appropriate during the full moon (see below fordetails), protection and any other dire situation in which a great deal of energy

is needed in order to attain ritual success are universally accepted asappropriate at this time. The full moon is the point when the moon reflects alllight from the sun back to the earth. It is the most potent time of the lunar cycle.

The Waning Moon

Magick for decreases that mirror the decreasing size of the moon including:banishings, exorcisms, cleansings, magick to rid yourself of a bad habit, any typeof ritual to rid yourself of negativity whether it is from human or spirit sources.The horns on the crescent you see in the sky during the waning phase of the

moon are facing to your right.


51/58

The Black Moon

This particular phase of the moon carries some controversy. Somepractitioners insist that no magick be performed on this night, however, next tothe full moon, the black moon is the second most potent time of the lunar cycle.Either highly difficult banishings that have been resistant to rituals performedon other nights of the waning moon can be abolished during this night when the

moon is at it's blackest in the sky. However, take care to perform thesebanishing before the moon is at it's darkest point otherwise the moon will no

longer be the Black Moon, but the New Moon which is associated withbeginnings rather than endings.

The New Moon

The new phase of the moon begins when the moon is hidden from sight due tothe earth's position between the sun and the moon. No sunlight is reflected

back down to us from the moon's surface. This phase is sometimes mistaken forthe Black Moon, which directly precedes it. The New Moon and all it's

accompanying characteristics can be relevant from three days after the darkestpoint of the moon. Experiment to determine how best this system works for you.During this time, the following types of ritual/spell work are most appropriate:


52/58

As the newest and earliest point in a new moon cycle, the new moon is seen bymost practitioners as the most appropriate time to begin new projects, new

spells and any rituals that require many days to complete.

Magick performed on the waxing crescent moon is very similar to the waxinggibbous moon (they are both in the waxing or increase phase) and indeed youdon't have to pay attention to the distinction between them if you choose notto, but you should be aware that the closer the moon comes to being full, themore powerful it's increasing potency becomes. This can be useful to know

because sometimes we all have the luxury to wait a few days until after the half

gibbous moon has passed into the more powerful phase, the waxing gibbousphase. With rituals that require less lunar potency or are the first in a line ofseveral consecutive rituals that lead up to the full moon, you can confidently usethis phase of the moon. For example, a healing performed to ease a cold or mild

chronic illness can easily be started during the waxing crescent phase of themoon. However, a more serious illness would be better served during the waxing

gibbous phase.

Ideally, with some minor examples, nearly all magick would be best divided outbetween the full or new moon, but this is such a short period of time each month,

that we delegate certain phases to certain less important tasks. However,remember two things. For very serious illnesses the full (for healing the illness) or

black (for banishing the illness) moons are the best choices, but they are not

always necessary for more minor problems. Also the time does come sometimeswhen we have no choice but to do ritual work during incompatible times. In

emergency cases, don't let bad timing stop you. Use other NatureCorrespondences or the other types of magick (Mental or Spiritual Magick)

to offset your lack of timing.


53/58

The Waxing Half Moon

This unique time of the month allows for all forms of positive magick that canotherwise be performed on the waxing phase of the moon, however, the waxinghalf moon is special in that you can perform magick during this time if you are

engaged in a situation that is teetering on the edge of two resolutions and youwant the result to turn out in your favor or in some positive fashion. For example

if you wanted to do a spell for the success of a surgery in which the doctorpredicts the patient has a 50-50 chance of survival, you could do the spell on

the half waxing moon to ensure that the situation will have a favorable outcome.

The Waxing Gibbous Moon

Similar to the waxing crescent phase, you can perform all actions compatiblewith increase during this time period. However, magick that requires more lunarenergy than the waxing crescent can provide should if possible be delayed until

this time period because of it's closer proximity to the full moon. Of courseminor magickal workings can also be performed during this time as well, but the

added energy here may not be absolutely necessary.

The Full Moon

The moon in it's fullest phase reflects all the light sent to it by the sun. Theearth is completely out of the path between these two bodies and the energy of

the moon is at it's most potent. The full moon is the most potent time of theentire month and the time when many traditions of witchcraft hold their esbats,

or ritual gatherings or celebrations.


54/58

Since there is so much controversy over what actually begins and ends thecycle of the moon, there is some discrepancy over what kind of magick is best

performed during this time. Technically, the full moon is the middle of the moon's

cycle when the positive aspects of the moon's influence are at their peak,however many practitioners view the full moon as an downslope rather than a

peak and thus either of the two types of magick below may be performed a fullthree days before the full moon depending on your personal preference. Manypeople prefer to only perform full moon rituals on the day of the full moon, butas with all other things in magick, feel free to experiment. What works for one

person may not work for you and vice versa.

Positive magick of any kind including completions of spells begun during the newmoon or any other positive spell that requires massive lunar energy to propel aritual intention into being. Fortunately not all spells require this much energy

and some magicians consider performing trivial workings during this time as"overkill". However, you will have to decide for yourself how serious a working is

to you to decide whether it warrants waiting until the full moon. Experience isthe best teacher here.

Negative magick as in banishings, exorcisms, cleansings or bindings. Protectivemagick while not necessarily negative is extremely effective when performed on

the full moon.The Waning Gibbous Moon

The relationship between the waning gibbous and waning crescent phases ofthe moon are opposite to those of the waxing phase because as the moon


55/58

approaches the darkest point, it's decreasing potency grows. Thus as it movesfrom waning gibbous to half waning to waning crescent, it becomes more

powerful in decreasing energies. So for minor decreasing and banishing rituals,

the waning gibbous moon is more appropriate because not as much lunardecreasing energy is required to be successful. However for more seriousdecreases and banishings, the waning crescent moon is most appropriatebecause of it's closer proximity to the black moon (the greatest point of

decrease)

The Waning Half Moon

This is another unique time of the month which allows for all forms of banishingor decreasing magick that can otherwise be performed on the waning phase of

the moon. However, the waning half moon is special in that you can performmagick during this time if you are engaged in a situation that is teetering on theedge of two resolutions and you want the result to turn out in your favor or in

some decreasing fashion. For example if you wanted to do a spell to keepyourself from being audited (in essence decreasing the problem) and you

thought that you have about a 50-50 chance of this happening, then you coulddo the spell on the half waning moon to ensure that the threat of an audit will

diminish and eventually disappear.

The Waning Crescent Moon

Rituals that require more energy for banishment though not necessarily the rawpower of the black moon are best performed during this time as the waning

crescent phase of the moon is close enough to the black moon that it carries agood portion of its lunar decreasing energy with it.


56/58

The Black Moon

The Black moon, also called the Dark Moon and the Lost Moon, is the pointwhen the moon is at it's darkest in the sky. It is the end of the moon cycle when

the absence of light in the sky reflects a void. Therefore by this theory, theblack moon is the most appropriate time to perform banishings, cleansings,

exorcisms and other rejectionary forms of magick. Do your own experimentationto determine which system (or both) is right for you.

Resources as well, Moon Magick- DJ Conway, Lady of the Moon,.In theShadow of the Moon

For many cultures the pattern of the phases was the first calendar, and thosechanging faces came to represent the Goddess in her stages of existence.

Most cultures believe it is female because of this connection. Those who follow

witchcraft are not the only ones who find the moon special. The mystery of itsgreat powers have been connected to the tides, the growth and abundance of

crops, and even connected to human emotions.

For those who practice witchcraft of any kind, the moon has a strong andinfluential role in religious practice and belief. The moon is a symbol of the

Goddess, lunar magick, and of spell casting. Most witches believe that underthe light of the moon is when magickal work should be done to be most effective.The power of the Goddess is present at this time, and it is the time of the day

that she rules.


57/58

It is also believed by many who practice witchcraft that the appropriate time tocast spells, do ritual work, and hold specific ceremonies or rites are all dictated

by the phases of the moon. The calendar of the moon with its new/dark, waxing,full, and waning phases creates the magickal calendar for every month of

worship.

Each phase of the moon is believed to have specific energies and symbolism

associated with that time of the month in witchcraft. Casting spells and doingother magickal work in harmony with these times gives a powerful extra kick to

the spell work and is believed to make the spell more powerful.

For many cultures the pattern of the phases was the first calendar, and thosechanging faces came to represent the Goddess in her stages of existence.

Most cultures believe it is female because of this connection. Those who followwitchcraft are not the only ones who find the moon special. The mystery of itsgreat powers have been connected to the tides, the growth and abundance of

crops, and even connected to human emotions.

For those who practice witchcraft of any kind, the moon has a strong andinfluential role in religious practice and belief. The moon is a symbol of the

Goddess, lunar magick, and of spell casting. Most witches believe that underthe light of the moon is when magickal work should be done to be most effective.


58/58

The power of the Goddess is present at this time, and it is the time of the daythat she rules.

It is also believed by many who practice witchcraft that the appropriate time tocast spells, do ritual work, and hold specific ceremonies or rites are all dictated

by the phases of the moon. The calendar of the moon with its new/dark, waxing,full, and waning phases creates the magickal calendar for every month of

worship.

Each phase of the moon is believed to have specific energies and symbolismassociated with that time of the month in witchcraft. Casting spells and doingother magickal work in harmony with these times gives a powerful extra kick to

the spell work and is believed to make the spell more powerful.

ways of a witch

Documents